By Mackenzie Colahan, ABC
Three people have been charged in relation to the death of a man who allegedly used a tightly-controlled barbiturate to take his own life. (File photo) Photo: ikiryo/123RF
An elderly woman charged with attempting to assist suicide with a veterinary euthanasia drug has been granted bail by a Queensland court.
Today Southport Magistrates Court heard that Elaine Arch-Rowe, 81, was formerly a coordinator of the Gold Coast chapter Exit International, a euthanasia advocacy organisation.
Arch-Rowe, 81, was arrested on Friday following a protracted police investigation into three people on the Gold Coast.
The investigation came after the coroner found a 43-year-old man with a disability had allegedly used a tightly-controlled barbiturate to take his own life in April.
Only Arch-Rowe's co-accused, Brett Daniel Taylor, has been charged with assisting suicide in relation to that man's death.
Arch-Rowe is accused of arranging to supply the same drug to an undercover police officer she met at a euthanasia workshop.
Arch-Rowe is charged with attempted assisting suicide, trafficking dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and sale of potential harmful things.
The court heard that on September 5 the undercover police officer met Arch-Rowe's co-accused, Brett Taylor, in Nerang where they exchanged numbers.
Police allege Ms Arch-Rowe then contacted the officer to arrange the sale of the drug.
Texts and intercepted calls
Arch-Rowe's lawyer, Michael McMillan, read a transcript of text messages allegedly exchanged between Arch-Rowe and Taylor, who said to tell the undercover officer: "When you have the money, tell us where you want to meet".
"That's not the way you do it, you don't need to mention the money," Arch-Rowe allegedly responded.
"That's why we're here," Taylor said.
"Geez, you're hopeless," Arch-Rowe replied.
McMillan argued there was no evidence the undercover officer had told Arch-Rowe they were going to use the drug to end their life.
He told the court the case was based on inference and that his client was an elderly lady with no criminal history who enjoyed lawn bowls and playing the ukulele.
The court also heard Arch-Rowe and Taylor allegedly attended an Exit International seminar at the Maroochydore RSL Club on September 10 with four bottles of the drug, which police alleged they intended to sell.
The court was told that in another phone call with Taylor in August, which was monitored by police, Arch-Rowe allegedly discussed the difficulty obtaining the drug.
"I have always tried to give people knowledge to access a safe end of life drug that will work," Arch-Rowe allegedly said.
During another intercepted phone call the pair allegedly discussed the legality of assisting suicide and supplying the drug.
"You can't pass someone the drug but if you have a glass you can pour it in," Taylor allegedly said.
Arch-Rowe is alleged to have said: "I'm of a certain age, I don't give a shit really, so I'm happy for the buck to stop with me".
"I don't have a lot to fear. You should be careful and don't talk to anyone," she allegedly said.
Magistrate Deborah Mitchell acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but granted Arch-Rowe bail under strict conditions.
She must report weekly to police, must not contact her co-accused, possess or attempt to acquire the euthanasia drug or participate in activities related to Exit International or End of Life Services.
Speaking outside court Archer-Rowe's solicitor Michael McMillan said the case against his client was "very weak" and would "struggle to make it to trial".
McMillian said his client would be entering a not guilty plea.
"There are not many cases like these that have made it before the courts - there are only a handful of them and this isn't a very strong one, it's only an attempt [to assist suicide]," he said.
The matter will return to court next month.
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
- Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
- ABC
